What You Need To Understand About Workers’ Compensation In Florida
Brian O Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
Working in Florida, you may have heard about workers’ compensation. Generally, it is a type of insurance coverage to help employees in case they suffer from a job-related injury or illness.Unlike life and medical insurance, you do not have to decide on participating in this coverage or not. State laws require most companies operating here to have this insurance coverage. Because of this, many workers also do not understand what it is and how it will help them. In most cases, they only get an idea once they have to file a relevant claim to get their benefits.
To help you have a better understanding of what it is all about, here are some things you need to know about workers' compensation:
What is Covered
Getting injured in the workplace is not as uncommon as some people may think. In 2019, there were about 2.8 million employer-reported non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses. In the same year, the country saw approximately 5,333 reported fatal work injuries.
As an employee, you need to know your rights. In Florida, that may include workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
So, what compensation can you get following a workplace injury?
The benefits you will get will be based on the severity, impact, and nature of the injuries you have gotten. That means you may not be getting the same benefits your co-worker has.
Typically, medical expenses are covered. These include:
• Cost of travel to the doctor and a pharmacy
• Hospitalization
• Medication
• Physical Therapy
• Visits to the doctor
Employees may also get monetary compensations in response to:
• Impairment income benefits
• Permanent total disability
• Temporary partial disability
• Temporary total disability
The benefits will also be based on the work you do and whether the illness or injury is preventing you from performing your work duties.
What is Not Accepted
Getting workers’ compensation benefits comes with requirements you have to meet. One of these is that the injury you have must have been at least 50% incurred while on the job.
You may not be eligible for any benefits and compensation if you do any of the following:
• Intentionally injuring oneself
• Being drunk or taking drugs and that caused the injury
• Intentionally causing the injury to get workers’ compensation benefits
• Not following safety rules or using proper gears
What To Do If Employer Rejects Your Claim
As stated earlier, most companies in Florida have to get workers’ compensation insurance. But some businesses may not have this coverage because they want to save money. In such cases, the company will be facing repercussions.
Meanwhile, some companies that do have the necessary insurance choose to deny a claim. They may say that the injury or illness is not work-relation. Some may even pressure employees to withdraw a claim. Others may refuse to deal with a claim promptly.
If you ever find yourself in any of the situations mentioned above, your best option is to look for a workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer will help you get fair compensation and build a case, if necessary. Additionally, your employer or the insurance provider will be more likely to cooperate with you if you get help from an experienced lawyer. Contact us now if you want to consult about your case.